Point Richmond Music’s 15th Annual Concert Series Concludes In September With Two Free Shows

By: Don Gosney

Aireene & the Itch, Michael Van & The Movers take the stage on September 9th

Matt Jaffe & The Distractions, Extra Large close the series on September 23rd

Point Richmond Music's (PRM) summer series concludes its record crowd-drawing 15th annual season in September with two free concerts. On Friday, September 9th, Aireene & the Itch take the stage (Americana, 5:30pm to 6:30pm) followed by Michael Van & The Movers (alternative country, 6:45pm to 7:45pm). And on Friday, September 23rd, Matt Jaffe & The Distractions (rock, 5:30pm to 6:30pm) and Extra Large (eclectic upbeat fun, 6:45pm to 7:45pm) bring the series to a close. In addition to great live music, the nonprofit summer festival features arts and crafts booths, arts activities and face-painting for children, opportunity drawings, and dancing in the streets. PRM’s outdoor concert venue is located at the corner of Park Place and Washington Avenue in Point Richmond, CA 94801.

Local restaurants offer a wide array of cuisines on concert nights, and, new this year, one or two food trucks pull up to the street festival. Concert-goers can pair fine food with beverages served in reusable and biodegradable cups from PRM’s no host bar, with proceeds directly supporting the free music series. Please visit www.pointrichmondmusic.org for more information.

Friday, September 9th

5:30 PM-6:30 PM - Aireene and the Itch (Americana) www.aireeneespiritu.comAireene is a singer/songwriter based in Oakland, CA, playing mostly original songs accompanied by Latin/African rhythms, folk, bluegrass pickings and inspirations from gospel music - a mix of stompin', swayin', and timeless Americana.

6:45 PM-7:45 PM - Michael Van & The Movers (Alternative Country) www.reverbnation.com/michaelvanbandIntoxicating, whiskey laden, original, alternative country music band. Michael Van comes from Georgia and dishes up the twang with a bit of deep introspection, exploring the lines between love and fear, self and no self, and the plain truth of reality.

Friday, September 23rd

5:30 PM-6:30 PM - Matt Jaffe & The Distractions (Rock) www.mattjaffemusic.comMatt Jaffe is a 21 year old singer/songwriter from the San Francisco Bay Area. With influences ranging from The Clash, Elvis Costello, and Talking Heads to Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash, Matt performs regularly throughout the Bay Area, SoCal and NYC.

6:45 PM-7:45 PM - Extra Large (Eclectic Upbeat Fun) www.extra-large.netExtra Large is the perfect soundtrack for ‘throw your hands in the air’ fun. Voted Best Local Band in Santa Cruz County nine times running, Extra Large splices together funk gyrations, Latin spice, fun-in-the-sun reggae, and classic California rock vigor. This veteran six-piece ensemble has become a California coast staple adept at heating up dance floors, concert stages, and festivals.

About Point Richmond Music:Point Richmond Music (PRM) is a 501c3 nonprofit public benefit organization that provides free outdoor summer concerts as a way to build community through the unifying language of music. The all-volunteer committee celebrates diversity and promotes the arts. PRM concerts provide a gathering place for people of all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life by featuring musical talent from Richmond, the Bay Area and beyond. In addition, the group helps bring music to Richmond year round through sponsorship of the Point Richmond Acoustic and Point Richmond Jazz series, and is a sponsor of the annual Picnic in the Point fundraiser for enrichment programs at Washington Elementary School. PRM exists thanks to the support of local businesses and the volunteers who make it happen.